Yudhishthira's Ashwamedham 13 - An Unwecome Guest Poem by Unnikrishnan Sivasankara Menon

An Unwecome Guest

Into the decorated RajSadass
Of the mighty Yudhishthira
Walked in a haughty mongoose
Whose half the body was pure gold.

Everyone was astonished
As the mongoose started
To speak human language
Chaste and flawless.

He said, 'This Yaagam, wherein
Great Purohits, most knowledgeable
And revered, conducted ceremonies
In the Vedas and Upanishads, is nothing;

Where you rained gold and wealth
On Brahmins and worthy citizens
Is nothing, when compared to the
Daanam of that poorest Brahmin.'

Sure, the speaking mongoose
Was a guest unwelcome
Where everyone praised and
Many envied Yudhishthira.

So, there were many, who were
Happy with the turn of the events;
Smiling inwardly, at the opportunity
They encouraged the mongoose.